The History Of Autism

I found this amazing infographic on the website http://www.masters-in-special-education.com/

The original page where I found this infographic is http://www.masters-in-special-education.com/history-of-autism/  Go check it out because there’s tons of other info down at the bottom of that page…

Also on the bottom of the page it says “Share this infographic on your site” so that is what I
am doing…

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Enjoy…

Class is now in session…

Source: Masters-in-Special-Education.com

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THE HISTORY OF AUTISM

Over the past century, the definition of autism and the
array of disorders it encompasses has not only changed but also been subject to
gross misunderstanding. Let’s take a look at a short history of autism, as well
as current diagnosis rates and information.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is an umbrella term for autism spectrum disorder,
which is characterized by: (5)

• Constant
  problems with social communication and interaction across a variety of
  contexts
• Repetitive,
  restricted patterns of behavior, activities and interests
• Early-onset
  emergence of symptoms (typically in the first two years of life)
• Symptoms
  that cause major impairment in social, educational or other important
  areas of functioning

It’s called a spectrum because of the wide range of symptoms
and impairment levels children can have. Some are only mildly affected by their
symptoms, while other children are severely disabled.

The Greek root of the word “autism” is “autos,” meaning
“self.” Individuals with autism are generally withdrawn from social and
emotional interaction, giving rise to the term. (1)

AUTISM:  A BRIEF TIMELINE

1911

Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first uses the term in
reference to certain symptoms of schizophrenia. (1)

1920s

Stemming from the belief that autism symptoms are caused by
diet (including those high in gluten), biochemical treatments are used, and
diet supplements and restrictions are put in place for children with autism.
(3)

1930s

Electroconvulsive therapy is first used to try to correct
antisocial and self-destructive behavior. Though controversial, this type of
treatment is still used in rare cases today. (3)

1940s

“Autism” is first used to describe children who experience
emotional or social issues. (1)

1943

A definition for autism is put in place by child
psychiatrist Leo Kanner. He describes autism as “lack of affective contact,
fascination with objects, desire for sameness and non-communicative language
before 30 months of age.” (2)

1944

German scientist Hans Asperger detects a condition with
similar afflictions that is now called “Asperger’s syndrome.” There is still
believed to be a link between autism and schizophrenia. (1, 2)

1950s

Autism is falsely suspected of being caused by cold and
uncaring mothers. Parentectomy, or the removal of the afflicted child from his
or her parents for long periods of time, is utilized for treatment by a doctor
in a study. (3)

1960s

Various treatments are tested, but there is still a limited
understanding of what helps patients. Pain and punishment are still inflicted
on children to try to correct antisocial behavior. The use of LSD is
implemented. As a serotonin inhibitor, it is believed that altering the
patient’s state of perception will help alleviate symptoms. (1, 3)

1965

Bernard Rimland, an American psychologist, establishes the
Autism Society of America, one of the first autism advocacy groups. (2)

1980s

Early forms of behavioral therapy are used primarily in the
treatment of children with autism, and autism is finally categorized separately
from schizophrenia. Neurosensory therapy is introduced, as researchers and
doctors begin to believe that sensitivity to auditory stimulation is
responsible for some antisocial behavior. (1, 2, 3)

1990s
Holding therapy, in which a child is restrained and forced to perform various
social reactions like maintaining eye contact, is used. (3)

Today

The term “autism spectrum disorder” is used, and specific
tools for diagnosing the severity of a child’s case are developed. Applied
behavioral therapy and psycho-dynamic therapies are typically used to treat
children with autism. (1, 3)

AUTISM TODAY

Due to a more thorough understanding of the disorder and
effective treatments for its symptoms, more children are getting the help they
need to live more social, emotionally fulfilling lives. We now understand a lot
more about the disorder and who it affects.

1 in 68

Estimated number of children affected by an autism spectrum
disorder. For boys, the number is 1 in 42. (4)

2%-18%

Likelihood that a person will have a second child with
autism if they already have one (4)

1 in 10

Number of children with autism who also have Down syndrome
or another chromosomal disorder (4)

2 years

Age at which a diagnosis of autism is typically reliable.
Most children are not diagnosed until they are 4 years old. (4)

Unfortunately, along with a more thorough understanding of
autism has come a boom of diagnoses and fear regarding the cause of the
disorder.

120%

Increase in autism spectrum disorder prevalence between 2002
and 2010 (4)

Sources:
1. http://www.webmd.com
2. http://www.washingtonpost.com
3. http://bdkmsw.umwblogs.org
4. http://www.cdc.gov
5. http://www.nimh.nih.gov

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Hope you enjoyed that thorough “History Of Autism”

Class dismissed!

🙂

THE END